Application Deadline: July 26, 2026

The Asia Science Mission (ASM) is inviting applications for a Science Officer (Researcher) to join the team at the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) in Kyoto, Japan.

Hosted by RIHN and led by a consortium comprising Future Earth Asia, the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN), the Fenner School of Environment & Society at The Australian National University, and RIHN, the Asia Science Mission is a first-of-its-kind regional initiative designed to coordinate transdisciplinary science and innovation to address Asia’s most pressing sustainability challenges. The ASM connects scientific, policy, and community actors to co-design actionable solutions—starting with demonstration pilot projects—on issues such as climate change, biodiversity, and food-water-energy systems. It aims to fill critical coordination, knowledge, and implementation gaps that national and sectoral efforts alone cannot resolve.

As a Science Officer, you will contribute to the implementation and growth of the Asia Science Mission by supporting research, partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and coordination across a diverse international network. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic international setting on a range of sustainability issues. 

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

1. Provide coordination and communication support for Asia Science Mission activities, capacity building, fundraising, and partnerships, including liaising with demonstration sites and the Future Earth network.
2. Conduct research and analysis on socio-ecological systems, transdisciplinary integration, learning systems for demonstration sites and others.
3. Support data management and systems synthesis.
4. Document processes, outcomes, and lessons learned to strengthen institutional knowledge.
5. Develop and oversee contract agreements to support effective collaboration.
6. Monitor progress and prepare reports to track achievements of the initiative.
7. Manage a stakeholder engagement tracker and foster productive partner relationships.

Possibility of change in work content:  The role is dynamic and will evolve in line with the requirements of the Asia Science Mission and Future Earth Center at RIHN.

We welcome applications from candidates with:

1. Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to global environmental change and sustainability or equivalent experience (preferred); candidates with a relevant Master’s degree or relevant experience in sustainability research or practice will also be considered.
2. Experience: Background in research, project coordination, or program management in sustainability, environmental science, or related fields. Experience with international, multi-stakeholder projects and fundraising is a strong asset.
3. Strong analytical and research skills, including ability to synthesize complex information. systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, initiative, and the ability to work across cultures and disciplines
4. Familiarity with project management, contract development and monitoring.
5. Proficiency in documentation, reporting, and stakeholder tracking tools.
6. Exceptional, written and verbal communication skills in English with a focus on science communication; ability to engage with diverse stakeholders across cultures and disciplines especially in Asia. 
7. Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Please visit the RIHN recruitment webpage for details on employment conditions and application procedures.